Havana, Cuba
Different Approaches
It was a wedding in the woods. Michael and Odelas had been wed by state law. Papers were signed and documents filled out, but the couple were desirous of a ceremony that would have a Vedic touch, so Yadunandan Swami and I agreed to perform something that would involve the blessing by a couple of swamis, and be executed in a beautiful setting, midst papayas, guava and avocados. The place was serene, clean and green.
Guests were there representing Siddha Yoga (Michael's a member), the Self-realization Fellowship, Sai Baba, and the International Society for Krishna consciousness (Michael is also a member). As main speaker and co-coordinator, I welcomed all, saying, "We can do some things together." Even with as little as we knew, both of us swamis pulled it off. The couple were felis(happy). All the supporters engaged in kirtan. We even got the women to ululate, and they did it well. Kichari, a curried meal, was cooked on the spot, and had that ‘foresty’ flavour.
The ritual was completed. And it was satvic. Attendees understood that language. Satvic means passive, peaceful, thoughtful. We used flowers, fruits, grains, ghee and even popcorn. Yes, I saw at least one kernel pop, a test of success.
Now in the morning on our walk, our group, moving along the Boulevard Paseo, spotted the remains of a Santeria ritual. Three headless chickens lay under a street. Nanda Tanuja, the host for our stay, mentioned he had recently saw a pig's head positioned on a pot in the same area. Apparently curses are done, and then counter-curses involving bad and good spirits. These are definitely different approaches to religious rites. https://www.instagram.com/p/B6J4J7ug8cQ/?igshid=s1o9g6xc9ee8
May the Source be with you!
2 km
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